Scorned and Reborn

As they made their way to the police station, Mary felt a mix of gratitude and anxiety. She had never expected Benjamin to come to Italy, let alone support her in this complicated mess. Sitting side by side in the waiting area, she took a deep breath, her heart racing.

The police officer walked in, signaling for Mary to follow. As she stood, she glanced back at Benjamin, who nodded encouragingly. She moved into the interrogation room, where a stern officer awaited.

"Miss…," he began, looking at his notes, "what was your purpose in Italy?"

Before she could respond, Benjamin interjected. "She was on holiday. Just a short getaway."

The officer raised an eyebrow but nodded. "And what were you doing at the scene of the attack? How were you kidnapped by Asher?"

Mary took a deep breath, drawing from the rehearsed story they had concocted earlier. "I wanted to meet an accountant who was interested in investing in my foundation," she said, her voice steady. "Then we were attacked, and Asher saved me."

The officer regarded her carefully, his gaze piercing. "You're aware this is a serious matter, right?"

"Yes, I understand," she replied, keeping her tone even. "I just want to help."

After a brief session of questioning, the officer left to consult with his colleagues. Benjamin leaned closer, lowering his voice. "You did great, Mary. Just stick to the story."

Asher was soon brought into the room, looking disheveled but otherwise unharmed. Mary'sheart raced as she caught his eye. "Asher!" she exclaimed, relief flooding through her.

"Hey, I'm okay," he reassured her, offering a small smile. "Thanks to you."

The officer dismissed Asher with a nod, and Benjamin stepped forward. "Asher, we need to talk about the money."

"I'll bring it to you before your flight to London," Asher said, his tone serious. "But we have to be careful. There's a lot at stake here."

Benjamin nodded, his expression grim. "We'll ensure it goes smoothly, but we need to act fast. I trust you to handle it."

Asher glanced at Mary, his gaze lingering for a moment. "You can count on me. But I need to ask… how can I thank you, Anal?"

She opened her mouth to respond, her heart fluttering at the sudden intimacy in his question. Before she could find the words, he continued, "I want to be your personal bodyguard."

Mary felt a jolt of surprise, her breath catching in her throat. "What?" she asked, disbelief creeping into her voice.

"I know it sounds crazy, but I can't let you out of my sight. You're in danger, and I want to make sure you're safe. I have experience, and I can help."

Benjamin stiffened beside her, his eyes narrowing. "That's not necessary. I'll protect my wife."

Asher's expression was calm but determined. "No offense, but I think she needs someone who knows the risks better. I can navigate these waters, Benjamin. I've been working on this case for a while. Trust me."

Mary watched the tension between the two men, feeling a whirlwind of emotions. She had never anticipated a proposal like this, especially given the chaos surrounding them. "Asher, I appreciate your offer, but I have to consider—"

"I'll keep you safe," he interrupted, his voice firm yet earnest. "I'll do whatever it takes."

The intensity in his eyes sent a shiver down her spine. She glanced at Benjamin, searching for reassurance, but his expression was unreadable, his jaw set tight.

"Look, let's just get through this," Benjamin said, the edge in his voice barely concealed. "We can talk about it later. Right now, we need to focus on getting the money and ensuring Mary is safe."

Asher nodded, his gaze never leaving hers. "Just think about it, okay? It could make all the difference."

Mary felt torn between the two men, each representing different parts of her life. Benjamin was her husband, the one she thought she could trust, while Asher had saved her life, his protective instincts stirring something within her she hadn't expected. The weight of the decision pressed down on her, an unsettling mix of fear and excitement swirling in her chest.

As they left the police station, Benjamin's grip on her arm was firm, a protective shield against the chaos of the world outside. Yet, with each step, she couldn't shake the feeling that her life was spiraling into uncharted territory, with dangers lurking around every corner.

"Are you alright?" Benjamin asked, glancing down at her, concern etched in his features.

"I… I'm fine," she replied, but the uncertainty in her voice betrayed her.

"We'll get through this," he assured her, his tone softening. "I promise."

But as they stepped into the harsh daylight, the shadows of doubt loomed larger.

Just then, her phone buzzed in her pocket, breaking the tense moment. Pulling it out, she saw a message from an unknown number:

You're deeper than you think. Don't trust anyone.

Her heart raced, and she felt a chill run down her spine. Mary glanced up at Benjamin and then at Asher, caught between two worlds each one pulling her in different directions, each with its own secrets and hidden dangers.

"What is it?" Benjamin asked, noticing the sudden change in her expression.

"It's nothing," she lied, stuffing the phone back in her pocket. But deep down, she knew it was something that hinted at a storm brewing just beneath the surface.

As they made their way to the car, the weight of the decision loomed large, and the stakes had never felt higher. With both men now part of her life, she had to navigate the turbulent waters ahead, and as they drove away, she couldn't shake the feeling that the real danger was only just beginning.

The sun hung low in the sky, casting an orange glow over the abandoned airstrip where Asher awaited. His heart raced with anticipation as he leaned against the rusted fuselage of a derelict airplane, the sharp scent of jet fuel lingering in the air. The moment had come he was about to deliver the thirty million dollars that could change everything for Mary and Benjamin.

When their private plane taxied to a stop, a mixture of relief and apprehension washed over him. He stepped forward as the door opened, revealing Benjamin and Mary. Benjamin's expression was one of guarded determination, while Mary looked more vulnerable than ever, her eyes searching his face for reassurance.

"Did you get it?" Benjamin asked tersely, glancing around to ensure no one was watching.

Asher nodded, revealing a black duffel bag stuffed with cash. "Thirty million, as promised. It's all here."

Mary stepped closer, her gaze fixed on the bag. "You really managed to get this in such a short time?"

"It wasn't easy, but I have my ways," Asher replied, his tone serious. "We need to be quick. The longer we linger, the higher the chances someone will find us."

Benjamin grunted in acknowledgment and took the bag, feeling its weight as he hefted it onto his shoulder. "Let's get to the plane."

As they moved toward the private jet, the adrenaline coursed through Mary. She had never imagined herself in such a dangerous situation, but it felt exhilarating. Once on board, Benjamin began stowing the money in a secure compartment, while Mary and Asher exchanged glances, a silent conversation passing between them.

"Asher," Mary began, her voice barely above a whisper once they were inside. "I wanted to talk to you about something."

"What is it?" he asked, his brow furrowing with concern.

"I want to take you on as my personal bodyguard," she confessed, her heart pounding at the admission.

Asher's eyes lit up, but a shadow of uncertainty crossed his face. "Are you sure? I can help protect you from whatever threats might still be out there."

"We can talk more about it once we're back in London," Mary said, hoping to ease the tension. "I just need to figure things out first."

He nodded, understanding her hesitation but not masking his eagerness. "Alright, but I'll be there for you, no matter what."

With that, the plane began to taxi down the runway, the engines roaring to life as they ascended into the evening sky. Mary settled into her seat, her mind racing with thoughts of what awaited her in London. She was relieved to be leaving Italy behind, but the thought of facing the media and her in-laws filled her with dread.